Pharmacological and Medicinal Importance of Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov.

Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. is a widely distributed perennial twining 
herb belonging to the family Apocynaceae. Traditionally valued in Indian, 
African, and Southeast Asian medicinal systems, the plant is known for its 
diverse therapeutic applications. Various parts of the plant including the 
leaves, roots, latex, stem, and fruits have been extensively used in the 
treatment of numerous ailments such as fever, asthma, rheumatism, menstrual 
disorders, skin diseases, gastrointestinal issues, and infections. Recent 
pharmacological studies have validated several of its traditional uses, 
revealing a broad spectrum of bioactivities including hepatoprotective, 
anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifertility, and antidiabetic 
properties, due to rich presence of bioactive phytochemicals such as 
flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and terpenoids. Moreover, P. daemia has 
found a prominent place in Siddha medicine, particularly in Varmam therapy, 
for its efficacy in healing trauma and nerve injuries. This review highlights the 
significance of P. daemia as a versatile medicinal plant and its potential role 
in bridging traditional knowledge with modern herbal medicine.